Plant growth regulators derived from chitin

ABSTRACT

The invention is related to a plant growth regulating composition comprising chitosan and a non-phytotoxic acid in the form of an aqueous solution or a blend of dry powders. The composition may be applied to the soil in which the seeds are to be planted, the seeds themselves or the foliage of an emerging plant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 25,586, filed Mar. 13, 1987 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,159, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 46,064, filed on Mar. 31, 1986, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to plant growth regulators and processes for their use. Plant growth regulators are substances which are used to influence the growth characteristics of plants. The growth characteristics influenced include growth rate, number of tillers produced per plant, standability of the plant, root stimulation and germination enhancement.

The plant growth regulators of the present invention are comprised of chitosan, which is a derivative of chitin. Chitin is a polysaccharide consisting predominantly, if not entirely, of unbroken chains of β-(1-4)-linked 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) residues. It can thus be regarded as a derivative of cellulose, in which the C-2 hydroxyl groups have been replaced by acetamido residues.

Chitin is found in huge quantities in the natural environment. Estimates of yearly production exceed several billions of tons. It is the structural material of all exoskeletal animals; of all members of arthropoda (crustacea, insects, spiders, etc.), mollusca (snails, squids, etc.), coelenterata (marine organisms such as hydoids and jellyfish) and nematoda (unsegmented worms). Chitin is also found in various fungi.

In crustacea, the shell comprises a matrix of protein chemically combined with chitin which is mixed with calcium carbonate. In order to free the chitin from the protein, the shell of the crustacean is treated with an alkaline aqueous solution which penetrates the interstices of the shell matrix to rupture the bond between the protein and chitin. To then separate the chitin from the calcium carbonate, the residue from the protein separation is treated with an acid to remove the calcium carbonate and leave substantially pure chitin. The acid used is preferably hydrochloric acid.

The demineralized chitin is washed on a rotary vacuum filter and dried in a rotary hot-air dryer. At this point, the chitin can be converted directly to one of its derivatives, chitosan. Chitin is a less reactive compound than the related compound, cellulose, and because of this property, it has been little used by industry. Some uses include as a dry hair shampoo, a flocculent, and a matrix for photo processing and for some enzymes.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Chitin has also been used as an adhesive, as described by Rigby in U.S. Pat. No. 2,047,226, as a sizing agent for paper, as disclosed by Merrill in U.S. Pat. No. 2,047,218, as an emulsifier, as disclosed by Rigby in U.S. Pat. No. 2,047,225, and as filaments, threads, fibers, tubes, straws and seamless sausage casings, as disclosed by Thor in U.S. Pat. No. 2,217,823.

Muzzarelli, in Chitin, Pergamon Press (1977), at pages 207-254, has described industrial uses of chitin including the removal of certain radioisotopes from water by percolation, the removal of mercury and copper from water, as a textile finish, in polymeric dyes, as a soil repellant, as a shrinkproofing for wool, in photographic products and processes, and in dewatering municipal sludge. At pages 255-265, Muzzarelli describes medical uses of chitin including artificial kidney membranes, preparations for immunization against parasites, biodegradable -pharmaceutical carriers, blood anticoagulants, aggregation of leukemia cells, wound healing accelerators and microbiologic media.

Additionally, chitin has been used to form a gel for encapsulating somatic embryos, zygotic embryos or meristematic tissue of plants, as described by Redenbaugh in U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,663. The use by Redenbaugh of chitin as an encapsulating medium is unrelated to any plant growth regulation function. As explained by Redenbaugh, the encapsulation medium "must allow the meristem or embryo respiration by permitting diffusion of gases". The encapsulation medium should also "provide an environment strong enough to resist external abrasion and adverse forces, yet pliable enough to allow the growth of the embryo and its germination at the appropriate time".

Chitosan has also been used to reduce the lodging of wheat plants, as described by Hadwiger in the published Australian Patent Application No. 47960/85. The chitosan is dissolved in dilute acetic acid, and after further dilution with water, the chitosan solution is applied to wheat seeds. The wheat plants then show increased stem diameters and increased root development.

Use of chitin as plant fertilizer has been disclosed by Peniston et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,199,496. Although the Peniston et al. patent is concerned with processes for the recovery of chemicals from the shells of crustacea, the use of chitin as a fertilizer is mentioned because chitin is one of the chemicals recovered from the shells of crustacea. As explained by Peniston et al., chitin can be used as a fertilizer to release nitrogen, slowly, into the soil and thereby over a relatively long period of time increase the nitrogen content of the soil".

However, fertilizers differ from plant growth regulators. A fertilizer is any material which is added to soil to supply chemical elements needed for plant nutrition. Most commonly, fertilizers are designated by a three-digit number which represents the respective amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. A plant growth regulator, on the other hand, is an organic compound which will inhibit, accelerate or in some way influence physiological processes in plants. Where a fertilizer merely supplies needed elements for a plant to grow in its normal fashion, a plant growth regulator causes some sort of change in the plant's normal growth pattern. Some of the influences of plant growth regulators include germination enhancement, root stimulation, plant stature control, shortening or lengthening of the time to maturity of the plant, ripening control, increased yield, fruit and vegetable color control, and shortened or lengthened dormancy. Some known plant growth regulators are cytokinins and gibberellic acids.

At present, there are no known materials which have the ability to influence, affect enhance or increase the reproductive sites, e.g., tillers, pods, ears, etc., of plants. There are also no known derivatives, compositions or combinations of chitin used as plant growth regulators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention is a process for influencing plant growth comprising the distribution of an aqueous solution of deacetylated chitin (chitosan, as more fully defined below) in a non-phytotoxic acid in the soil in which plants are to be grown. The aqueous solution comprises about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of chitosan and about 0.1% by weight to about 10% by weight of the non-phytotoxic acid. The remainder of the solution comprises water. When distributed, the aqueous solution is applied in the seed planting zone of a plant. The non-phytotoxic acid is preferably an amino acid and most preferably glutamic acid.

In another embodiment of the invention, the aqueous solution of deacetylated chitin and non--phytotoxic acid is applied directly to the plant seeds. Application of the solution to the seeds is generally performed either by metered spraying or soaking.

Further embodiments of the invention comprise distributing a blend of powdered deacetylated chitin and powdered non-phytotoxic acid into the seed planting zone in soil or applying the powdered blend directly onto the seeds. Another embodiment of the invention comprises applying an evaporated and ground solution of chitosan in non-phytotoxic acid to the seed planting zone of soil or to the seeds themselves.

When the inventive processes are followed, the tillerability of various cereal grains is enhanced. The processes can also be expected to influence other areas of plant growth, such as roots, stems, leaves, blossoms, internal structures and any seed holding structure such as tillers, pods, ears, etc. Treatment applications of the aqueous solution can be made to the soil, the seeds or the foliage of plants.

In its application as a plant growth regulator, it is unknown what precise biochemical action takes place, but it has been suggested that an interaction of the deacetylated chitin with the immune system of the plant is the mechanism of action. It is also possible that chitosan acts as an antagonist and/or protagonist to and with the gibberellic acids to influence plant development dynamics. It has also been theorized that chitosan's metabolic pathway includes the formation of certain oligosaccharins that regulate enzymatic-specific growth processes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term "non-phytotoxic acid", as used in describing the present invention, refers to an acid which when used in the prescribed amounts of the invention will not cause a significant adverse effect on the germination of plant seeds, and will not have a significant adverse effect on a developing seedling. Such an adverse effect on the germination of seeds will commonly be evidenced by a decreased rate of germination or lack of germination altogether. Similarly, an adverse effect on the developing seedling will commonly be evidenced by retarded seedling development or a total lack of seedling development.

Deacetylated chitin, in combination with a non-phytotoxic acid such as an amino acid, has been found to be a particularly effective plant growth regulator. Plant growth regulators cause a change in a plant's normal growth pattern. Some specific examples of plant growth regulators are germination enhancers, root stimulants, plant stature controllers, plant maturity agents, ripening agents and plant dormancy agents. Germination enhancers cause rapid emergence of the plant from the seed, and thereby allow better weed control around the plant. Root stimulants cause quicker and more secure plant establishment in the soil. Plant stature controllers cause stronger stems to develop so that the plant can better withstand strong winds and other meteorological conditions. Agents that shorten the time to maturity of a plant allow for timely harvesting of the plant before foul weather. Ripening agents are used to provide an even ripening of a whole field of plants in order to allow timely harvesting. Ripening agents are very often used on pineapples, sugar cane, oranges, tomatoes and apples. Agents that shorten or lengthen the dormancy of crops help to prevent sprouting and the subsequent degrading of the produce which renders it unfit for human consumption. Agents that lengthen dormancy are often used with crops such as onions and potatoes.

Although fertilizers can also cause increased yields from plants, they do so at a cost. High rates of fertilizer application increase plant yield potential by creating larger plants, but such unusually large plants are susceptible to delayed maturity and to a condition known as lodging. Lodging occurs when a plant is too tall and/or too heavy to support itself and is therefore easily affected by winds which cause the plant to tip and fall and lay on the ground surface. In such a lodged condition, plants are difficult to harvest because of their close proximity to the soil surface, thus resulting in reduction of crop yield. Seed damage is also likely with lodged plants because of their contact with damp soil, and with pests such as rodents and insects which contaminate the crop and render it unmarketable.

With rice, high rates of nitrogen application will often cause kernel sterility or "blanking", i.e., the plant flower will not pollinate (causing a "skipped" kernel). Blanking results when a kernel is not pollinated and all that remains is a husk. Additionally, with unusually high rates of nitrogen application, rice yields have been reduced by as much as 30%. High rates of fertilizer application have quite often delayed rice plant maturity past harvesting time and into foul weather periods, thereby resulting in reduced crop yields and sometimes in total crop loss. Plant growth regulators cause increased yields without the problems associated with fertilizers. An additional advantage of plant growth regulators comprised of chitin derivatives is the potentially limitless supply of chitin available.

Chitin is a mucopolysaccharide consisting predominately of unbroken chains of β-(1-4)-linked 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) residues of the formula ##STR1## The deacetylated chitin, also known as chitosan, is obtained by reacting chitin with concentrated, aqueous potassium hydroxide at about 160° C. Chitosan is a polysaccharide consisting predominately of unbroken chains of D-glucosamine residues of the formula: ##STR2##

At present, chitin and chitosan should be thought of as being on a spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is a polysaccharide consisting of 100% acetylated-D-glucosamine members and at the opposite end of the spectrum is the polysaccharide consisting of 100% glucosamine members which are not acetylated. In theory, chitin and chitosan are the respective polysaccharides at each end of the spectrum described above. In reality, however, chitin and chitosan merely approach their respective ends of the spectrum. Chitin has far more acetylated-D-glucosamime members than non-acetylated members, while chitosan is predominantly composed of non-acetylated-D-glucosamine members (although some acetylated members are also present). Pure, i.e., 100% acetylated chitin is not found in nature, and a method for obtaining pure chitosan, i.e., 100% deacetylated chitin has not yet been developed.

Chitosan can be combined with a non--phytotoxic acid to yield a final product in the form of either an aqueous solution, a dry powder blend or a powder created by grinding the residue of an evaporated chitosan/non-phytotoxic acid solution. As defined above, a non-phytotoxic acid is an acid which will not cause a significant adverse effect on the germination of plant seeds or development of seedlings when used in the prescribed amounts of the present invention. A further requirement of the non-phytotoxic acid when used to make the aqueous chitosan solution formulation or the ground residue of the evaporated solution, is that the chitosan be soluble in the selected non-phytotoxic acid.

As is clear from the definition above, the phytotoxicity or non-phytotoxicity of a particular acid may be dependent on its concentration or dilution. However, suitable non-phytotoxic acids can be easily determined without undue experimentation by uncomplicated germination studies. Such germination studies are conducted by applying an acid to a plant seed and then attempting to germinate the seed. Generally, about twenty seeds are subjected to the acid application, and then placed in a small cup (about 4 centimeters diameter) with sufficient water (about 4 milliliters) to induce imbibition and germination. If germination occurs, the acid is non-phytotoxic.

Using the elementary germination studies described above, the inventor has determined that suitable non-phytotoxic acids for use in the present invention include amino acids such as arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, hydroxyglutamic acid, norleucine, proline, serine, and tyrosine; and adipic acid; hydrochloric acid; tartaric acid; nitric acid; formic acid; and citric acid. The preferred non-phytotoxic acids for making the aqueous solution, dry powder blend or ground residue of the present invention are amino acids, and most preferred is glutamic acid.

The formulation of the aqueous solution comprises about 0.1% by volume to about 10% by volume chitosan dissolved in about 0.1% by volume to about 10% by volume of the non-phytotoxic acid. A preferred formulation comprises about 2% by volume chitosan and about 2% by volume of the non-phytotoxic acid. The remainder of the solution comprises water.

The preparation of the dry powder blend requires the grinding of the chitosan into a powder with an average particle diameter of from about 0.5 μm to about 100 μm. The non-phytotoxic acid must be similarly ground to produce particles with an average diameter of between about 0.5 μm and 100 μm. Dry, powdered chitosan is available from Protan Laboratories of Redmond, Wash., and dry, powdered glutamic acid is available from Ajinomoto U.S.A., Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif. Commercially available chitosan contains less than 1% ash. A preferred average particle diameter for both the chitosan and the non-phytotoxic acid is between about 10 μm and about 30 μm. The chitosan and the non-phytotoxic acid are blended such that the weight ratio of chitosan to non-phytotoxic acid is between about 1:10 and about 10:1. The preferred weight ratio of chitosan to non-phytotoxic acid is 1:1.

Manufacture of powder from the evaporated residue of an aqueous solution comprises first preparing a concentrated aqueous solution of 3% by volume or greater chitosan and a non-phytotoxic acid. The non-phytotoxic acid is preferably present in the same volume percentage as the chitosan. The concentrated solution is evaporated, and the residue is ground until the average particle diameter is between about 10 μm and about 30 μm.

The preferred non-phytotoxic acid to be used in the present invention is glutamic acid. Glutamic acid has the following structural formula: ##STR3##

When used, the aqueous solution, dry powder blend or evaporated residue powder may be applied to plant seeds, to the soil in which the seed is to be planted, or to the foliage of a plant. However, the solution, powder blend or evaporated residue powder is most commonly applied directly to the seeds or soil. When applied to seeds, the chitosan/glutamic acid solution can be applied up to about 48 hours prior to planting. In contrast, the dry powder blend or evaporated residue powder of chitosan and non-phytotoxic acid may be applied to seeds up to about six months prior to planting. Generally, the application of either the aqueous solution, the dry powder blend or evaporated residue powder in the seed planting zone takes place at the same time as the seed planting.

Application of the aqueous solution to the soil requires distribution of the solution in the seed planting zone of the plant. The seed planting zone is that area in close proximity to where the seed will be planted. Most commonly, the aqueous solution is applied at the same time that the seed is planted. The application rate of the aqueous solution is such that between approximately 10 and approximately 1,000 grams of chitosan are applied per acre of soil. A preferred rate of application results in the distribution of approximately 33 grams of chitosan per acre of soil.

The application of the dry powder blend in the seed planting zone of the soils is conducted in much the same manner as the application of the aqueous solution to the soil. Between about 10 grams and about 1,000 grams, and preferably about 30 grams, of chitosan are applied per acre of soil when the dry powder blend is distributed in the soil. Evaporated residue powder is also applied to the seed planting zone of the soil such that between about 10 grams and about 1,000 grams, and preferably about 30 grams, chitosan are applied per acre of soil.

Besides application in the seed planting zone of the soil, the aqueous solution, the dry powder blend or the evaporated residue powder can also be applied directly to the plant seed. Application of the aqueous solution to seeds is generally performed by either a metered spraying of the seeds with the aqueous solution or by soaking the seeds in the aqueous solution. Preferably, approximately 12 grams of chitosan are applied to approximately 50 pounds of seeds. If the seeds are soaked in the aqueous solution, the soaking usually extends over a period of up to approximately 48 hours. Soaking of seed initiates imbibition of the soaking solution and germination of the seed. Soaking also causes the seed to become heavy, therefore the most commonly soaked seed is rice because the rice seed must sink to the bottom of flooded paddies when planted, and if dry would merely float on the flooded paddies. The micronutrient zinc can be included in all commercially available rice seed preparations.

The dry powder blend or the evaporated residue powder is also applied directly to the seeds by metered spraying. When applied by metered spray, the powder blend must be distributed onto dampened seeds in order for the blend to adhere to the seeds. Another common method for applying the powder blend or evaporated residue powder to seeds is to mix the blend or residue powder with dampened seeds in some sort of tumbling device such as a cement mixer. The application rate for the dry powder blend or the evaporated residue powder preferably distributes approximately 12 grams of chitosan onto approximately 50 pounds of seed. The seeds most commonly used are rice, wheat, barley, oat and sorghum.

The evaporated residue powder requires very little moisture to imbibe into the seed. This is a significant advantage in particularly dry planting areas and seasons. There is also a far greater uniformity of absorption of chitosan and non-phytotoxic acid by the seed from the evaporated residue than from a dry powder blend.

Examples of the practice of the invention and the results obtained are recounted below.

EXAMPLE 1 Application of a Chitosan/Glutamic Acid Solution to Wheat Seed

2,500 pounds of wheat seed, which had previously been treated with pentachloronitrobenzene for protection against smuts, damping-off and seed rot, were sprayed with a 2% aqueous solution of chitosan in glutamic acid such that 11.2 grams of chitosan and 11.2 grams of glutamic acid were applied per 50 pounds of seed.

Two days after the seed treatment, 8.5 acres of an 84.2-acre plot were planted with the treated seed. The remaining 75.7 acres of the plot served as the control, and were planted with untreated wheat seed from the same initial batch as the seed which was treated with the aqueous solution of chitosan.

The treated seed as well as the untreated seed were planted using a Great Lakes 15-foot grain drill. The spacing between rows was 7 inches and the planting depth was 3/4 inch to 11/2 inches below the soil surface. The seeding rate was 125 pounds of seed per acre.

The entire 84.2-acre field had been chiseled and disced to prepare the seed bed and the field was "bedded" on five foot centers. Ditches between the beds allowed water to drain from the field during winter rains. During the previous growing season, the field was planted with wheat, which was harvested in late June and the straw burned. Aqua ammonia was shanked into the seed-bed to a depth of 4-5 inches at 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre four days prior to seeding. Additionally, 11-46-0 fertilizer was side-dressed through the drill at a rate of 80 pounds per acre as a starter fertilizer, to meet the crop's need for phosphorus. The 11-46-0 representation in the fertilizer refers to the respective ratios present of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium. After planting, all 84.2 acres were maintained in an identical fashion to the extent possible.

Sixty-three days after planting, the number of plants in the treatment acreage was compared to the number of plants in the control acreage. Five samplings showed an average of 122.6 plants per 10 linear feet of drill row in the control acreage as compared to an average of 124.4 plants per 10 feet of drill row in the treatment acreage. These figures represent 1.4% less plant production in the treatment acreage as compared to the control acreage.

Tiller counts were conducted 59 days after planting. Five samplings from the treatment acreage and five samplings from the control acreage showed an average of 315 tillers per 10 linear feet of drill row in the treatment acreage, as compared to 240 tillers per 10 linear feet of drill row in the control acreage. These figures represent 31.2% greater tillering in the wheat plants grown from treated seed as compared to those wheat plants grown from untreated seed.

A comparison of head counts taken 152 days after planting and 183 days after planting is given below in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                                                    Average Number                                              Days    Number of  of Heads per                                                After   Samples    10 Linear Feet                                              Planting                                                                               Taken      of Drill Row                                        ______________________________________                                         Treatment 152       7          348                                             Acreage                                                                        (8.5 acres)                                                                    Control   152       7          270                                             Acreage                                                                        (75.7 acres)                                                                   ______________________________________                                    

The numbers in Table 1 above represent a 28.9% greater heading by the wheat plants grown from treated seed as compared to those wheat plants grown from untreated seed.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                                                    Average Number                                              Days    Number of  of Heads per                                                After   Samples    10 Linear Feet                                              Planting                                                                               Taken      of Drill Row                                        ______________________________________                                         Treatment 183       7          300                                             Acreage                                                                        (8.5 acres)                                                                    Control   183       7          196                                             Acreage                                                                        (75.7 acres)                                                                   ______________________________________                                    

The numbers in Table 2 above represent a 53.1% greater heading by the wheat plants grown from treated seed as compared to those wheat plants grown from untreated seed.

The 8.5 acres of the treatment acreage and 75.7 acres of the control acreage were harvested in an identical manner 251 days after planting. The treatment acreage yielded an average of 2,746 pounds of wheat per acre compared to an average yield of 2,048 pounds of wheat per acre from the control plot. These numbers represent a 34.1% greater yield from the treatment acreage.

The above Example demonstrates the effectiveness and excellent results obtainable when an aqueous solution of chitosan in glutamic acid is applied directly to seeds. Similarly good results can be expected when the aqueous solution of chitosan in glutamic acid is applied in the seed planting zone either prior to, simultaneously with, or after the planting of the seed. Similar results can also be expected from application of a dry blend of chitosan and glutamic acid to dampened seeds or in the seed planting zone of the soil.

EXAMPLE 2 Application of a Chitosan/Glutamic Acid Dry Blend Powder to Wheat Seed

About 2180 pounds of wheat seed, which had previously been treated with pentachloronitrobenzene for protection against smuts, damping-off and seed rot, were dampened with water and coated with a dry blend powder of chitosan and glutamic acid. The coating of the seed resulted in the application of about 11.2 grams of chitosan and 11.2 grams of glutamic acid applied per 50 pounds of seed.

Two days after the seed coating 11.9 acres of a 62.5-acre plot were planted with the coated (treated) wheat seed. The remaining 50.6 acres of the plot served as the control, and were planted with untreated wheat seed from the same initial batch as the seed which was treated with the chitosan/glutamic acid dry blend powder. The seed was planted at a rate of about 183 pounds of seed per acre for both treatment and control sections of the plot. This rate of seed planting resulted in an application rate of 41 grams of chitosan per acre in the treatment section of the plot.

The entire 62.5-acre plot (treatment and control sections) was subject to the same environmental and agricultural conditions. Both treatment and control sections received two irrigations during the growing season.

At harvest, the treatment acreage yielded an average of 6300 pounds of wheat per acre. In contrast, the yield from the control acreage was an average of 5736 pounds of wheat per acre, for an average increase of 564 pounds of wheat per acre with the treated seed.

EXAMPLE 3 Application of a Chitosan/Glutamic

Approximately 3815 pounds of rice seed were soaked in a 3% by volume solution of chitosan in glutamic acid. The seeds were soaked for 24 hours so that about 12 grams of chitosan and about 12 grams of glutamic acid were present in every 50 pounds of seed.

About 48 hours after completion of the seed soaking, 18.3 acres of a 36.2 acre rice paddy were planted with the soaked (treated) rice seed. The other 17.9 acres of the paddy were used as a control, and planted with untreated rice seed from the same initial batch as the treated seed. Both treated seed and untreated seed were planted at a rate of about 210 pounds of seed per acre. In the treatment section of the paddy, this planting rate resulted in the application of about 50 grams of chitosan per acre.

The entire 36.2 acre paddy (both treatment and control sections) was subject to the same environmental and agricultural conditions.

At harvest, the average yield from the treatment section of the paddy was 8096 pounds of rice per acre. In contrast, the average yield of the control section of the paddy was 6211 pounds of rice per acre. There was an average increase of 1885 pounds of rice per acre from the treatment section of the paddy.

EXAMPLE 4 Additional Trails with Wheat Seed

A number of additional trails were performed in which a chitosan/glutamic acid dry blend powder or a chitosan/glutamic acid solution was applied to wheat seed. In the trials in which wheat seed was treated with the chitosan/glutamic acid solution, a procedure similar to that set forth in Example 1, above was followed. In the trials in which he chitosan/glutamic acid dry blend powder was applied to wheat seed, a procedure similar to that set forth in Example 2, above was followed.

Table 3, below, sets forth the results of these additional trials. Any deviations from the procedures of Examples 1 and 2 are also noted in Table 3.

                                      TABLE 3                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Chitosan Wheat Seed Treatment Trials                                                                             Chitosan                                                                       Difference                                              Control                                                                              Treatment                                                                            Treatment  Acreage Basis                                Acreage    Yield Yield Rate Material                                                                             (+ Increase lb)                              Control                                                                             Treatment                                                                            (lb/Acre)                                                                            (lb/Acre)                                                                            (g/Acre)                                                                            (Form)                                                                               (- Decrease lb)                              __________________________________________________________________________     50.6 10.2  5736  5064  41   3% Sol                                                                               -672.sup.1                                   40.2 11.4  2712  2946  33   3% Sol                                                                               +234.sup.2                                   40.2 11.8  2712  2718  33   Dry Blend                                                                            +6.sup.2                                     __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.1 The Control received two irrigations while the Treatment received       one irrigation.                                                                .sup.2 Dryland wheat, No irrigations.                                    

As shown in Table 3, the average yield per acre increased for most of the acreage planted with treated wheat seed. The only trial in which the average control yield was greater than the average treatment yield was in a trial in which the control average received an additional irrigation not received by the treatment acreage.

EXAMPLE 5 Additional Trials with a Chitosan/Glutamic Acid Solution Applied to Rice Seeds

A number of additional trials were performed in which a 3% by volume solution of chitosan in glutamic acid was applied to rice seed. In these additional trials, similar procedures to those set forth in Example 3, above were followed.

Table 4, below, sets forth the results of these additional trials with rice. Any deviations from the procedures of Example 3 are also noted in Table 4.

                                      TABLE 4                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Chitosan Rice Seed Treatment Trials                                                                              Chitosan                                                                       Difference                                              Control                                                                              Treatment                                                                            Treatment  Acreage Basis                                Acreages   Yield Yield Rate Material                                                                             (+ Increase lb)                              Control                                                                             Treatment                                                                            (lb/Acre)                                                                            (lb/Acre)                                                                            (g/Acre)                                                                            (Form)                                                                               (- Decrease lb)                              __________________________________________________________________________     99.5 14.2  7020  7947  30   3% Sol                                                                               +927.sup.1                                   16.0 18.8  7083  7853  30   3% Sol                                                                               +770.sup.1                                   15.9 15.7  8456  9137.2                                                                               33   3% Sol                                                                               +681.2.sup.1                                  7.7 8.3   7365.1                                                                               8470.6                                                                               33   3% Sol                                                                                +1105.5.sup.2                               54.6 5.7   7876.5                                                                               8833.2                                                                               50   3% Sol                                                                               +956.6.sup.1                                 54.6 5.9   7876.5                                                                               8063.8                                                                               50   3% Sol                                                                               .sup.  +187.4.sup.1,3                        54.6 5.7   7876.5                                                                               8752.6                                                                               33   3% Sol                                                                               +876.1.sup.1                                 54.6 5.8   7876.5                                                                               8334.6                                                                               33   3% Sol                                                                               +458.2.sup.1                                 __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.1 The normal practice for preparing rice seed for planting involves       soaking the seed in water 24 to 48 hours before planting. The chitosan wa      added to this "soaking" water to implant the chitosan into the seed coat.      .sup.2 A dried 3% solution was applied to the rice seed after (postsoak)       the seeds were soaked in water.                                                .sup.3 A weed condition developed necessitating two herbicide                  applications.                                                            

As shown in the Table, the treatment acreage of every trial gave a higher average yield than the control acreage.

EXAMPLE 6 Germination Trials to Determine Non-phytotoxic Acids

One percent aqueous solutions were prepared from each of ten different acids to determine if phytotoxic influences exist towards newly germinating rice seeds by the selected acids.

Each acid solution was applied to rice seeds at a rate of 1000 μg acid/gram seed. The seeds were allowed to dry, and then 20 seeds from each acid lot were placed in a 4 cm diameter cup with 4 ml water to induce imbibition and germination.

The seeds were germinated in the dark for 6 days, after which the radical and coleoptile for each seed was measured. The results, shown below in Table 5 indicate the degree of phytotoxicity (or lack thereof) exhibited by each of the acids. Based on the measurement of the radical and coleoptile, each acid was given a suggested rank of phytotoxicity on a scale of 1 to 6.

A ranking of 1 rates the acid as non-phytotoxic and beneficial to germination and seedling development, while a ranking of 6 indicates an acid which is phytotoxic and harmful to germination and seedling development.

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                                 Seed     Coleop-        Radical                                        Acid    Response tile (cm)      (cm)   Rank                                    ______________________________________                                         Glutamic                                                                               15       2-4            5-7*   1                                               5        1-2            1-2                                            Tartaric                                                                               16       2-3            5-8*   1                                               4        1-2            1-3                                            Citric  13       2-3            5-8*   2                                               2        1+             1+                                                     3        Greatly retarded**                                                    2        Non-germinated                                                Adipic  9        3-4            4+     3                                               8        1+             1+                                                     3        Greatly retarded                                              Hydro-  8        1-2            1-3    3                                       chloric 7        1              1-3                                                    3        Greatly retarded                                                      2        Non-germinated                                                Formic  7        3-4            4-5    4                                               8        -1             -1                                                     5        Greatly retarded                                              Nitric  1        3-4            5-6    4                                               5        2-3            2-3                                                    4        -1             -1                                                     7        Greatly retarded                                                      3        Non-germinated                                                Lactic  7        1-3            1-3*** 5                                               3        -1             -1                                                     10       Greatly retarded                                              Acetic  6        1-2            1-2    6                                               3        1              1                                                      10       Greatly retarded                                                      1        Non-germinated                                                Butyric 1        3              3      6                                               8        1-2            - 1                                                    9        Greatly retarded                                                      2        Non-germinated                                                Control 8        5-8            4-5                                                    7        1-3            1-3                                                    2        Greatly retarded                                                      3        Non-germinated                                                ______________________________________                                           *Indicates the developing root system has branched roots with visible         root hairs.                                                                     **Indicates the slightest radical or coleoptile emergence or only a whit      dot on the seed suggesting only the slightest sign of germination. The         developing seedling would be "greatly retarded" as compared to the other       seedlings.                                                                      ***This lot showed inhibited root development at all stages of                development.                                                             

EXAMPLE 7 Additional Germination Trials to Determine Non-phytotoxic Acids

Germination trials were conducted using the same acids and procedures as set forth in Example 6, above. The acids were ranked as described above for Example 6. The results of this second germination study are presented below in Table 6.

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                                 Seed     Coleop-        Radical                                        Acid    Response tile (cm)      (cm)    Rank                                   ______________________________________                                         Glutamic                                                                               13       5-6 *          5-6  ***  1                                            5        2-3            3-4  **                                                2        Non-germinated                                                Tartaric                                                                               12       4-5            5-8  *    1                                            4        3-4            3-4  **                                                1        +1             +1   ***                                               3        Non-germinated                                                Nitric  1        4-5            5-6  *    2                                            6        2-3            2-3  **                                                3        1              1    ***                                       Formic  5        4-5            5-6  *    2                                            10       2-4            4-5  *                                                 5        1+             1+   ***                                       Citric  15       3-4            3-5  *    3                                            5        retarded                                                      Adipic  3        4-5            5-6  *    3                                            13       2-3            3-4  **                                                4        -1             -1   ***                                       Hydro-  12       4-5            4-5  *    3                                    chloric 2        2-3            2-3  **                                                3        Retarded                                                              3        Non-germinated                                                Lactic  6        2              4    ***  4                                            11       1-2            2-3  ***                                               3        Retarded                                                              1        Non-germinated                                                Butyric 4        3-4            3-4  ***  6                                            8        1-2            1-2  ***                                               6        Retarded                                                              2        Non-germinated                                                Acetic  3        2-3            2-3  ***  7                                            10       1-2            1-2  ***                                               6        Retarded                                                              l        Non-germinated                                                Control 14       4-5            6-7  *                                                 4        2-3            2-3  **                                                2        Retarded                                                      ______________________________________                                          * Indicates multibranching with good root hair development.                    ** Indicates the root development consists of one or two branches with         root hair development.                                                         *** Indicates a single radical.                                          

The ranking was determined for both Table 5 and Table 6 by the root development, e.g., in Table 6, Glutamic acid had 13 seed responses multiplied by the low side of the range 5-cm)=65 points+5 responses at 3cm=15 points; 65+15=80 total points associated with root growth.

The total points for each acid in Table 6 are presented below:

    ______________________________________                                         Glutamic          80 points    #1                                              Tartaric          72  "        #1                                              Nitric            67  "        #2                                              Formic            65  "        #2                                              Citric            54  "        #3                                              Adipic            54  "        #3                                              Hydrochloric      52  "        #3                                              Lactic            46  "        #4                                              Butyric           20  "        #6                                              Acetic            16  "        #7                                              Control           78  "                                                        ______________________________________                                    

In both tests, glutamic acid and tartaric acid are consistent at the #1 rank; butyric acid and acetic acid are the lowest ranked at #6 and #7. (Rank #5 is omitted; each rank =10 points, e.g., 78 to 68=#1; 68 to 58=#2, etc.)

Glutamic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, adipic acid, hydrochloric acid, formic acid and nitric acid show non-phytotoxic characteristics with rice seeds when applied at the levels which would be necessary to interact with chitosan in the present invention. The level of acid is determined by that amount of acid necessary to solubilize chitosan on a mole weight basis such that the chitosan application rate falls in the range above 250 μg/gram seed.

In addition to the rice and wheat of the Examples above, the aqueous solution or dry powder blend of chitosan and non-phytotoxic acid may be used to influence plant growth in all food plants, seed plants, fiber plants, fruit plants, nut plants and ornamental plants. Particular seed plants besides rice and wheat include barley, oat and sorghum.

While the invention has been disclosed by reference to the details of preferred embodiments, the disclosure is intended in an illustrative rather than in a limiting sense, as it is contemplated that modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for regulating plant growth comprising the steps of:dissolving chitosan in a non-phytotoxic acid to produce an aqueous solution comprising about 0.1% by volume to about 10% by volume chitosan and about 0.1% by volume to about 10% by volume of said non-phytotoxic acid, and distributing said aqueous solution in soil in which plants will be grown, in the seed planting zone.
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein said non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 3. The process of claim 1 wherein said chitosan comprises about 2% by volume of said aqueous solution.
 4. The process of claim 1 wherein said non-phytotoxic acid comprises about 2% by volume of said aqueous solution.
 5. The process of claim 1 wherein said aqueous solution is distributed in the soil such that between approximately 10 grams of chitosan and approximately 1,000 grams of chitosan are applied per acre of soil.
 6. The process of claim 5 wherein approximately 30 grams of chitosan are applied per acre of soil.
 7. A process for regulating plant growth comprising the steps of:dissolving chitosan in a non-phytotoxic acid to produce an aqueous solution comprising about 0.1% by volume to about 10% by volume chitosan and about 0.1% by volume to about 10% by volume of said non-phytotoxic acid, and applying said aqueous solution to plant seeds.
 8. The process of claim 7 wherein said non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 9. The process of claim 7 wherein said chitosan comprises about 2% by volume of said aqueous solution.
 10. The process of claim 7 wherein said non-phytotoxic acid comprises about 2% by volume of said aqueous solution.
 11. The process of claim 7 wherein said aqueous solution is applied to the plant seeds by a metered spray.
 12. The process of claim 7 wherein approximately 12 grams of chitosan are applied to approximately 50 pounds of plant seed.
 13. The process of claim 7 wherein said aqueous solution is applied to said plant seeds by soaking the plant seeds in the solution for up to approximately 48 hours.
 14. A process for regulating plant growth comprising the steps of:grinding a dry form of chitosan to powder form with an average particle diameter between about 0.5 μm and about 100 μm, blending said ground form of chitosan with a dry form of a non-phytotoxic acid with an average particle diameter between about 0.5 μm and about 100 μm, such that the weight ratio of chitosan to non-phytotoxic acid is between about 1:10 and about 10:1, and distributing the blend in soil in which plants will be grown, in the seed planting zone.
 15. The process of claim 14 wherein said non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 16. The process of claim 14 wherein the ground chitosan has an average particle diameter between about 10 μm and about 30 μm, and the non-phytotoxic acid has an average particle diameter between about 10 μm and about 30 μm.
 17. The process of claim 16 wherein the weight ratio of chitosan to non-phytotoxic acid is about 1:1.
 18. The process of claim 14 wherein the weight ratio of chitosan to non-phytotoxic acid is distributed in the soil such that between approximately 10 grams of chitosan and approximately 1,000 grams of chitosan are applied per acre.
 19. The process of claim 18 wherein approximately 30 grams of chitosan is applied per acre of soil.
 20. A process for regulating plant growth comprising the steps of:grinding a dry form of chitosan to powder from with an average particle diameter between about 0.5 μm and about 100 μm; blending said ground form of chitosan with a dry form of a non-phytotoxic acid with an average particle diameter between about 0.5 μm and about 100 μm, such that the weight ratio of chitosan to non-phytotoxic acid is between about 1:10 and about 10:1, and applying the blend to dampened plant seeds.
 21. The process of claim 20 wherein said non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 22. The process of claim 20 wherein the ground chitosan has an average particle diameter between about 10 μm and about 30 μm, and the non-phytotoxic acid has an average particle diameter between about 10 μm and about 30 μm.
 23. The process of claim 20 wherein said blend is applied to the dampened plant seeds by metered spray.
 24. The process of claim 20 wherein said blend is applied to the dampened seeds by mixing the blend and the dampened seeds in a tumbling device.
 25. The process of claim 20 wherein approximately 12 grams of chitosan are applied to approximately 50 pounds of plant seed.
 26. A proces for regulating plant growth comprising applying a ground powder with an average particle diameter between about 10 μm and about 30 μm obtained from the residue of an evaporated, concentrated aqueous solution comprising about 3% by volume or greater of chitosan and about 3% by volume or greater of a non-phytotoxic acid in the soil in which plants will be grown, in the seed planting zone.
 27. The process of claim 26 wherein the non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 28. The process of claim 26 wherein chitosan and the non-phytotoxic acid are present in equal volume percentages.
 29. The process of claim 26 wherein the ground powder is applied to the soil such that between approximately 10 grams of chitosan and approximately 1,000 grams of chitosan are applied per acre.
 30. The process of claim 29 wherein approximately 30 grams of chitosan are applied per acre.
 31. A process for regulating plant growth comprising applying a ground powder with an average particle diameter between about 10 μm and about 30 μm obtained from the residue of an evaporated, concentrated aqueous solution comprising about 3% by volume or greater of chitosan and about 3% by volume or greater of a non-phytotoxic acid to dampened plant seeds.
 32. The process of claim 31 wherein the non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 33. The process of claim 31 wherein chitosan and the non-phytotoxic acid are present in equal volume percentages.
 34. The process of claim 31 wherein the ground powder is applied to dampened seeds by metered spray.
 35. The process of claim 31 wherein the ground powder is applied to dampened seeds by mixing the powder and the dampened seeds in a tumbling device.
 36. The process of claim 31 wherein approximately 12 grams of chitosan are applied to approximately 50 pounds of seed.
 37. A plant growth regulating composition comprising an aqueous solution comprising between about 0.1% by volume and about 10% by volume chitosan and between about 0.1% by volume and about 10% by volume of a non-phytotoxic acid.
 38. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 37 wherein the non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 39. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 37 wherein chitosan comprises about 2% of said aqueous solution and the non-phytotoxic acid comprises about 2% of said aqueous solution.
 40. A plant growth regulating composition comprising a blend of chitosan in powder form and a non-phytotoxic acid in powder form, said chitosan and said non-phytotoxic acid being in a weight ratio of between about 1:10 and about 10:1.
 41. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 40 wherein said non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 42. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 41 wherein chitosan and the amino acid are present in weight ratio of about 1:1.
 43. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 40 wherein the average particle diameter of chitosan is between about 0.5 μm and about 100 μm and the average particle diameter of the non-phytotoxic acid is between about 0.5 μm and 100 μm.
 44. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 43 wherein the average particle diameter of chitosan is between about 10 μm and about 30 μm.
 45. A plant growth regulating composition comprising the ground residue from the evaporation of a concentrated aqueous solution comprising about 3% by volume or greater of chitosan and about 3% by volume or greater of a non-phytotoxic acid.
 46. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 45 wherein the non-phytotoxic acid is an amino acid.
 47. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 45 wherein chitosan and the non-phytotoxic acid are present in equal volume percentages.
 48. The plant growth regulating composition of claim 45 in which the average particle diameter of the ground residue is between about 10 μm and about 30 μm. 